Powered Bookshelf Speaker

For you to enjoy listening to your favorite music or watching a romantic movie on the TV with your partner in perfect conditions, you need a perfect sound system. This is where the powered bookcase speakers shine as they are an integral part of these setups. What makes them so special is the fact that they provide a subtle bass to the sound while adding mid-sized sounds and treble sized sounds to the music or movie.

No matter if you are using the speakers as standalone, as a stereo pair, or integrated into a sound system you already own, they are a definite must-have in any modern home. There are certain specs and elements which separate some of the speakers on the market from other models, making them of a superior quality. To ensure you will spend your money wisely, we have rated and ranked the best bookshelf speakers of the moment.

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Powered Bookcase Speakers Reviews

Audioengine HD6

1. Audioengine HD6

At the top of the powered speakers market sits the Audioengine HD6. It is composed of two speakers, one of them being active while the other is passive. To ensure the speakers will go well with the bookshelf you want to place them on, you have 3 finish choices to choose between, more precisely cherry wood, walnut wood, and satin black. The built-in analog dual-class A/B monolithic amplifiers that they come with pack a punch, ensuring a great sound experience which rivals the top audio systems of any kind.

What customers really loved when using the HD6 speakers is their versatile connectivity as you can stream YouTube, TIDAL, Spotify, and more. What helps boost the sound quality of the speakers is the design of the cabinets, the thick and stable construction combined with the silk dome tweeters and the diecast aluminum frames delivering an unsurpassable performance. For protection in use, not only for you but to ensure your money won’t get thrown out the window due to a poor quality design, the product features power on/off transient protection, thermal over-temperature, output current limiting, and a replaceable external main fuse.

With a -50dB crosstalk and a 50Hz to 22kHz frequency response, it is easy to understand why the HD6 ranks as the best product on this market. In addition, the wireless operation range it boasts is up to 100 feet, while the wireless latency is only of approximately 30 milliseconds.

PROS

CONS

Clear sound provided by the forward mids

The highs and bass are a bit compromised as a result of the forward mids

User-friendly design – volume control is located on the front side of the main active speaker

Remote control allows easy adjustment of the volume and other settings

RCA sub out connection allows you to add a subwoofer to the system with ease

VERDICT

Sitting at the top of the market, the HD6 speakers from Audioengine make for the perfect addition to your music listening device collection. Obviously, there is a price to pay for this impressive performance, but seeing how these devices deliver the clearest quality audio possible, you cannot skip on them. Built to impress by one of the best manufacturers at the moment, they are an investment worth making.

Audioengine A5+

2. Audioengine A5+

It is clear by now that Audioengine is the best brand on the powered speakers market, the company not only releasing the HD6 model which ranks as the best out there but producing the Audioengine A5+ as well, the model we consider to be the second best on this highly competitive market. Although these speakers deliver audiophile-quality sound, they do not come at an exaggerated price, the cost being in the price range of most people who want to enjoy the best when listening to their favorite music or watching TV.

What makes the A5+ a popular option, in addition to the impeccable and irreproachable quality of the sound the speakers produce, is the connectivity aspect. Basically, you can connect your computer, TV, smartphone, or any other device to enjoy stereo sound in any room of your house. Versatility is a key point of the A5+ as the product allows you to even charge your iDevice via the USB power port it features. Therefore, there is more than one use for these speakers.

The easy setup ensures even a novice can handle installing and using the speakers without facing any issues. The most important accessory that comes when you purchase the A5+ is the remote control which allows a convenient use of the product. When it comes to energy consumption, you can confidently use the speakers on a daily basis without worrying about any absurd costs. In addition, the Audioengine backs this model during the 3 years after you purchase it.

PROS

CONS

High compatibility – can be connected to a wide range of devices

Some customers have complained the speakers overheated in time

Great price to quality ratio – affordable considering what it has to offer

Easy setup – it will not take long to set up the speakers, even if you are a novice when it comes to tech

Impeccable sound quality – listen to music clearer than ever before

VERDICT

The A5+ speaker set does not only impress through its impeccable design and modern lines, but through the performance it delivers as well. Reasonably priced considering what it has to offer, we consider that any audiophile would love having this audio system. Crip sound, high compatibility, and easy operation are only some of the highlights of this amazing speaker set!

Kanto YU3

3. Kanto YU3

Just like the models we previously talked about, the Kanto YU3 bookshelf speakers deliver great sound quality at a fair price. Another highlight of these speakers is the fact that they are easy to use, not needing to have advanced knowledge about electronics to operate them as the interface features a single knob. What makes the YU3 be of an amazing quality is the fact that the woofers are made with 4-inch Kevlar, while the tweeters are made with 1-inch silk dome, thus ensuring a clean, superior sound experience.

Despite the fact that the speakers boast an impressive 120W total peak power, they consume less than 0.5W on standby. Therefore, big operation costs are not an issue at all. The remote control they come with allows a convenient operation, while the rubber feet ensure safety in use, ensuring the speakers will sit still. The 1.5-inch rear bass port the YU3 features is designed to extend bass response while eliminating port turbulence.

Another highlight of the product is the fact that it offers 5 input choices. Due to the presence of the sub-out port, you can add a subwoofer to the system with ease. The high-quality knurled binding posts allow you to trim the wire to the length you want it to have. In addition, Kanto provides a generous 2-year warranty for the speakers, during this period of time covering defects in materials and workmanship.

PROS

CONS

Kevlar drivers provide perfectly balanced mid-range and bass tones

Not as feature-rich as higher-quality speaker sets

Puts 5 input choice at your disposal

Remote control ensures convenience in use – change the volume without moving from the couch

Built to last – although this system is reasonably priced, it will hold on perfectly for years on end

VERDICT

The Kanto YU3 is our favorite speaker set as it does not only perform impeccably, but it comes at an affordable price as well. With integrated Bluetooth that allows wireless streaming and a wide range of other features and capabilities, and coming at a rather affordable price when you think about what the product offers, it is a choice worth making.

Klipsch R-15PM

4. Klipsch R-15PM

The Klipsch R-15PM powered monitors are the preferred choice of many as they deliver room-filling sound at a reasonable price. Also, the minimalist design makes them the perfect addition to your bookshelf, being a worthy centerpiece regardless of the room’s decor. If you want to enhance low frequencies, even more, it is easy to add a subwoofer whenever you want.

The ultra-low amplifiers the speakers feature are designed to maximize the performance of the system, eliminating the need for additional external amplification. The Bluetooth wireless technology featured by the system enhances its versatility in use, making the speakers truly a smart choice to go with as it allows an easy wireless pairing with other devices. The infrared remote control the R-15PM comes with allows easy access to features like track controls and source selection. The 2-way speaker system is of a superior quality as it sounds like a single source rather than separate sources.

The MDF bass-reflex enclosure it boasts helps a lot as it promotes an optimal performance. Due to the fact that it has an 8-ohm impedance, it efficiently conducts power. The RCA phono-level inputs allow you to connect the speakers to your turntable, so if you are interested in DJ-ing at home, they are the perfect choice to go with. In addition, the 62Hz to 24kHz frequency response range it delivers is able to produce crisp highs and smooth mids, thus guaranteeing an unforgettable sound experience.

PROS

CONS

Low-noise amplifiers maximize system performance

Does not come with many features

Minimalist design is a perfect fit in modern households

IMG woofer is magnetically shield by copper spun

Designed to eliminate the need for external amplification due to its performance and design

VERDICT

Specially designed to make your life easier by not having to stand the clutter of external A/V receivers anymore and delivering crystal clear sounds, the Klipsch speaker set is a must-have for any audiophile. Reasonably priced and built to complement modern decors due to its minimalistic design, it is an investment worth making.

Edifier R2000DB

5. Edifier R2000DB

The fifth entry in our top is the Edifier R2000DB, a product we strongly recommend as it boasts an impeccable performance, all without charging you a fortune to purchase it. The classic design delivers powerful audio. The Bluetooth, dual RCA inputs, and optical digital ensure flexibility in use as they allow you to connect to various audio sources. The MDF wooden enclosure of the speakers has the role of minimizing acoustic resonance in order to deliver a clean and smooth sound.

The DPS-based dynamic range control has the role of minimizing sound distortion in order to keep the THD under 0.3%. The wireless remote control it comes with allows you to conveniently operate the volume adjustment, to mute the speakers, and to change the audio source selection. Due to the fact that the rear side panel features the bass, treble, and master volume controls, it will be easy for you to change these settings as you like.

The silk dome tweeters it features make even the slightest sound clear so that you can actually enjoy a great experience when listening to music. The standby power consumption of the speakers is under 1W, so it is highly energy efficient. In addition, the R2000DB powered speakers are backed up by Edifier during the first two years after you purchase them, so there is no need to worry about repair or replacement costs during this period of time.

PROS

CONS

Delivers amazing mids, highs, and lows

Some customers have complained about the quality of the remote control which accompanies this set

Customers have praised the bass quality

Bluetooth latency is close to null with it

Perfect for playing content off the computer or mobile devices

VERDICT

Should you buy this system, you will surely be impressed with its quality. Cheap but not sacrificing quality and performance, it delivers crystal clear audio, great mids, lows, and highs, and it perfectly complements any décor. There are few downsides to this speaker set, and considering the price it comes at, it is an option worth taking into consideration.

What Is the Deal with Bookcase Speakers?

What makes powered bookshelf speakers be present in many modern households is the fact that they are an integral part of an ideal sound system, adding the bass, mid, and treble sized sounds to your experience when watching a movie, playing a game, or simply listening to music to enhance it. Due to the fact that they have built-in amplifiers, they differ completely when compared to normal speakers, being phenomenal at delivering sounds of an excellent quality.

Of course, there is the aspect of their size as well, generally being more compact when compared to other types of speakers. Therefore, it is easier to find a location for bookshelf models, especially if you intend to integrate them with your pre-existing sound system. Also, this compact size makes them portable, so you can easily take them with you wherever you go if you want to enjoy great sound quality. Know it is not mandatory to integrate them with a sound system. If you do not own one or you just do not want to make this move, you can use them stand alone as well.

Although this is a detail you will surely notice on your own, we must tell you bookshelf speakers also have a more trendy design which makes them a better fit with modern decors. Seeing how everyone these days thinks about how well new purchases go with their room decor and design, it is an important aspect to take into consideration as well.

Powered Speakers – Interesting Facts

A quality pair of speakers, regardless of their type, is a considerable investment to make, but one worth making if you want to enjoy superior sound quality. If you are wondering what are the advantages that powered bookcase speakers have to offer and what makes them so great, read this section of the article as we will tell you all about the benefits they come with.

Superior Two-Way Design

Bookshelf speakers generally have a two-way design, some models even featuring a three-way design. Most models, just like the ones that appear on our top, boast a two-way design which consists of a tweeter and a driver. The role of this two-way design is to enhance the sound quality, delivering a clean and realistic experience for the listener to be satisfied with the purchase that has been made.

Compact Size

They are called bookshelf speakers for a good reason, the compact size they boast making them a perfect addition to your bookshelf. Therefore, if you are looking for a space-saving option, they are the perfect choice to go with. It is their size what also makes them a perfect fit next to the TV, for example, even if the table on which the electronic is placed is not that large. Additionally, due to their size, they make for a discrete addition if you do end up placing them on the bookshelf, not distracting from the decor you have already created.

Enhancement of Sound Quality in Sound Systems

These powered speakers offer a unique advantage over other types and models, more precisely the fact that they add clearer bass, mid, and treble sized sounds which generally lack in quality when it comes to sound systems. With a quality pair of bookshelf speakers by your side, you will experience a realistic and truly enjoyable experience when listening to music, playing, or watching a movie on your TV, so it is surely an investment worth making.

More Reasonable Pricing

Generally, speakers tend to be expensive as the components and technologies used in their manufacturing cannot really be compared to anything else, being pricier to produce. This is not the case with bookshelf models necessarily because when they are mass-produced, they become a lot more reasonable in pricing, their components, and amplifiers not being sacrificed when it comes to quality for these speakers to remain accessible and affordable to most people.

What Defines a Quality Bookshelf Speaker

Buying new speakers is not an easy task as you have to know what makes them be of a superior quality and what to look for. In the following lines, we will show you what are the elements and specs you must keep your eyes on when making the purchase, thus helping you make a smart investment you surely won’t regret.

What Materials the Speakers are Made With

The materials that powered bookshelf speakers are made with do not only show their durability over time but they show how great the quality of the sound will be as well, the enclosure and other construction elements playing a bigger role than you could ever imagine in the transmission of the sound. MDF wood is the perfect material to go with for the enclosure, Kevlar is ideal for the drivers, while silk dome is the choice to go with for the tweeters.

What Type of Amplifier is Featured

The relationship between the amplifier and the speakers is a complicated one, most people not being aware of the importance of a high-quality amplifier. Basically, the amplifier has the role in sustaining its output wattage in order to ensure the speakers will not be affected, meaning that the quality of the sounds which they emit will not be lost as time passes. While every type of amplifier comes with its own pros and cons, what we recommend is you go for a dual class A/B monolithic model.

Power Consumption

Of course, you have to take into consideration the power consumption of the speakers as you surely do not want to end up paying a ton of money just because you like listening to music most of the day. As you can see, all the products featured in our top boast a low power consumption, meaning they are not only of a high quality when it comes to sound emission but that they are energy efficient as well.

Whether a Remote Control is Included or Not

Convenience is an aspect you must take into consideration when making the purchase as you do not want to end up wasting time changing the settings but rather enjoy the experience, listening to your favorite songs when you are finally at home. With a remote control, this can be made possible, this being the reason why we recommend you make sure the model you do end up buying to come with this accessory.

Brands You Can Trustfully Purchase From

On the market for bookshelf speakers, there are a couple of brands that are renowned for producing and delivering only high-quality products to customers. In the following lines, we will show you what are the brands we are referring to in order to help you make a smart decision when you go shopping, as these brands surely manufacture and deliver only speakers of a superior quality.

Audioengine

Audioengine is a brand that designs and builds innovative audio gear, the products released by this company changing the way we all listen to our favorite music, delivering a superior experience that will surely blow your mind. What will astonish you for sure is the fact that this is a relatively new company, manufacturing and selling its first product in 2006. Since the inception of the business, Audioengine has managed to become a household name worldwide, tending to the needs and desires of all people, no matter if we are talking about musicians, DJs, or average Joes.

Kanto

Being founded in January of 2007, Kanto is another brand which despite its young age has managed to become a household name due to the fact that it emphasizes on designing and manufacturing only high-end electronics which innovate their markets. When it comes to the production of powered bookcase speakers, the company managed to impress everyone with the production of the Kanto YU3 speakers which swept everyone off their feet by delivering an unsurpassable sound quality and performance.

Klipsch

Klipsch is one of the oldest and most renowned brands on the audio market as it has been around for a long time, more precisely since 1946. What has made this brand become so famous is not only the fact that it has managed to stay above its competitors all the time by producing new and innovative speakers and audio gear but the fact that it has always understood pricing is important. Therefore, this is the company to buy from if your budget is not extremely generous as you will surely find the right speakers for you with ease.

Rating Our Picks – What We Took Into Consideration

Although the difference in the overall quality of the powered bookcase speakers featured in out top is pretty obvious when they are put side by side, it is still important for you to know what are the elements which made us rank them the way we did. Knowing this will not only help you appreciate the speakers more, but it will help you have a clearer view of what you should look for when you go shopping as well.

Construction

The construction of the speakers affects their durability as well as the quality of the sounds which they produce. Obviously, this is one of the aspects that affected our ranking the most as we wanted to ensure nothing but the best products will appear in this top and they will be put in a fair order. The 3/4-inch thick MDF wood used in the construction of the Audioengine HD6, along with the silk dome tweeters and the 5.5-inch Kevlar drivers show it is of a superior quality when it comes to sound emission, this being one of the reasons why the product ranks first in our top.

Nominal Impedance

It is important for powered bookshelf speakers to boast a high impedance in order to not overheat and to not use too much power when operating. From this point of view, the model that received the most points was the Audioengine A5+ as it boasts a nominal impedance of 10 Ohms, thus ensuring you will not experience any fluctuations when it comes to power consumption, and guaranteeing the speakers will not get damaged due to over-heating either.

Signal to Noise Ratio

The signal-to-noise ratio compares the level of noise power to the level of signal power, and it is expressed in decibels. To ensure the best products out there will be present in our top, we picked the speakers which boast higher number from this point of view as a higher signal-to-noise ratio shows a superior quality of the speakers.

Total Harmonic Distortion

The total harmonic distortion is used to show the linearity of the speakers. It is important for the total harmonic distortion to be as low as possible for the reproduction of the audio to be accurate. As you can see, the two best-ranked models in our top, more precisely the Audioengine HD6 and the Audioengine A5+ both have a THD level of under 0.05%, thus ensuring the sound quality will be accurate and clean. Of course, all the other models in our top boast a good total harmonic distortion level as well as none of them exceeds 0.5%.

Connectivity

Last but not least, we took into consideration the connectivity of the speakers as it is highly important for them to be as versatile as possible from this point of view. As you can see, all the speakers featured in our top can be connected to multiple types of devices, operating systems, music player apps, and more, ensuring a superior freedom of use.

As the Audioengine HD6 bookcase speakers not only received the best reception from customers who have already bought it, but surpassed other products during our testing trials, we were compelled to rank them as the best powered speakers in this niche. What caught our eye the most was the 150-watt total peak power output they boast and the 2-way crossover system featured which enhance your music listening experience. To top all that, they are made with safety and protection in mind, featuring power on/off transient protection and thermal over-temperature protection as well.

While the HD6 might be, by far, the best speakers out there, we can confidently say that the Kanto YU3 were close behind as a top selection for us. These speakers not only impressed us with their design, each of them measuring 5.5 inches in width, 8.6 inches in height, and 7.5 inches in depth, a size that makes them perfect for placement on the bookshelf, but they deliver a signal to noise ratio which exceeds 90 dB, more than the standard provided by this industry.

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